puss: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1informal, colloquial, sometimes offensive depending on context
Quick answer
What does “puss” mean?
A cat, especially as a term of endearment or for a cat with a distinctive face.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A cat, especially as a term of endearment or for a cat with a distinctive face.
1. (informal) A face; a person's expression or look (e.g., 'sour puss'). 2. (vulgar slang, chiefly Irish, sometimes offensive) The mouth. 3. (archaic/dialectal) A girl or young woman (derived from 'pussy').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
UK usage slightly more common for the 'cat' meaning. The slang/vulgar meaning for 'mouth' is strongly associated with Irish English. US usage strongly favours 'cat' meaning; 'sourpuss' (one word) is common.
Connotations
UK: Mainly affectionate for cats, mildly humorous for 'face'. US: Similar for cats; 'sourpuss' is a fixed, informal term.
Frequency
Low-to-medium frequency in both varieties. More frequent in informal spoken registers than formal writing.
Grammar
How to Use “puss” in a Sentence
Vocative (Hey, puss!)Modifier + puss (sour puss)Proper name (Puss in Boots)Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Not used, except in literary/cultural studies referencing 'Puss in Boots'.
Everyday
Informal term for a cat; humorous term for a grumpy expression ('sour puss').
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “puss”
- Using 'puss' in formal contexts.
- Assuming it only means 'cat' and missing the 'face' idiom.
- Overusing as a direct synonym for 'cat'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not usually. As a term for a cat, it's affectionate. 'Sour puss' is mildly humorous. However, in some regional slangs (e.g., Irish), it can be a vulgar term for the mouth, so context is key.
'Puss' is mainly for cat/face. 'Pussy' is also a term for a cat but is now overwhelmingly known as a vulgar slang term for female genitalia, making it highly inappropriate in most contexts.
Only in the fixed idiom 'sour puss' (a grumpy face/person). You wouldn't say 'She has a nice puss' – that would be incorrect and potentially offensive.
Yes, it's a generic, gender-neutral affectionate term for a cat, similar to 'kitty'.
A cat, especially as a term of endearment or for a cat with a distinctive face.
Puss is usually informal, colloquial, sometimes offensive depending on context in register.
Puss: in British English it is pronounced /pʊs/, and in American English it is pronounced /pʊs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “sour puss (a grumpy person)”
- “Puss in Boots (fairy tale character)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
PUSS sounds like 'purr' + 'hiss' – two sounds a cat makes.
Conceptual Metaphor
FACE IS ANIMAL (a puss is a cat-like face).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'puss' LEAST likely to be appropriate?